Investigations spanned across the country with police finally making a breakthrough at Mrs Bailey's own home

Ian Stewart, 55, had been arrested earlier this month on suspicion of murder but was then released on bail.

Police returned to the Royston home on Monday and have been spotted digging around the home of the couple with a second team also searching the author's holiday home in Broadstairs, Kent.

Mrs Bailey, who is the author of Electra Brown and Running in Heels, went missing along with her dog on April 11 with her partner telling police she had left him a note saying she wanted some time on her own.

She has written more than 20 children's books, one adult fiction book as well running a blog.

Mr Stewart reported Bailey missing four days later after realising she was not at their holiday home in Kent with no evidence she had driven or caught the train there.

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Forensic officers have been working throughout the week to find answers

Hertfordshire Police today released a statement confirming a body had been found at the Royston home.

Specialist teams had returned to the property at the start of the week, conducting extensive searches.

Police said investigating officers would now remain at the scene for several more days.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Fullwood, who leads the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "Helen's family have been updated of this significant development and are continuing to receive support from specialist family liaison officers.

"As you can fully appreciate this will be an extremely difficult time for them and they have requested their privacy be respected at this time.

"We are also mindful that Helen's disappearance, which has attracted significant media attention, has not only had an impact on her family and friends but also the local and wider community.

"However, as we have a man in police custody it is not appropriate for us to make any further comment."